Matthew's Travel Journal

What to know, what to pack, and where to go (from someone who’s lived there)

 Planning your first trip to Thailand? Lucky you, you're about to fall in love. With vibrant cities, peaceful temples, postcard beaches, and unforgettable food, it's the kind of destination that s tays with you.

After years of living there, these are the questions I get most from first-time travelers—plus a quick look at Thailand's main regions to help you get oriented.

Is Thailand safe to visit?
Yes. Thailand is widely considered one of the safest and most welcoming places to visit in Southeast Asia. Like anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, be mindful at night, and trust your instincts. But overall, it's a country where travelers of all kinds—families, solo adventurers, couples—tend to feel at ease.

What's the best time of year to go?
Cool season (Nov–Feb): Ideal for sightseeing, city wandering, and outdoor adventures
Hot season (Mar–Jun): Great for beach days and festivals, but expect heat
Rainy season (Jul–Oct): Fewer crowds, lush scenery, and brief afternoon downpours

How long should I stay?
10–14 days gives you time to visit more than one region (like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one of the islands). If you have less time, pick one or two places and keep the pace relaxed.

Do I need to carry cash?
Yes. While credit cards are accepted in hotels and malls, many small businesses, food stalls, and markets are cash-only. ATMs are everywhere, and currency exchange is straightforward. Tip: carry small bills.

What about tipping?
Tipping isn't expected like it is in the US, but it's always appreciated. Round up for good service at restaurants, leave 20-40 baht for hotel housekeeping, and tip your massage therapist if they did a great job. Street food vendors don't expect tips.

How much should I budget per day?
Thailand works for every budget. Backpackers can get by on $30-50/day (street food, hostels, local transport). Mid-range travelers should plan $75-150/day (nice hotels, mix of restaurants, some tours). Luxury travelers can easily spend $200-500+/day at high-end resorts and fine dining. Food is cheap everywhere even fancy restaurant meals rarely top $20.

What should I wear?
Thailand is hot and humid most of the year, so bring lightweight, breathable clothes. Sandals or slip-on shoes are helpful since you'll often remove them before entering homes or temples. For visiting temples and royal sites, cover your shoulders and knees.

What's the internet/WiFi situation like?
Excellent in cities and tourist areas. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free WiFi. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for reliable data everywhere. Remote islands and mountain areas can be spotty, but that might be exactly what you need.

Can I drink the water?
No. Stick to bottled or filtered water, even for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is inexpensive and easy to find.

What's the food like? What if I don't like spicy food?
Thai food is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly varied. If you're not into spicy dishes, don't worry—just say "mai pet" (not spicy) when ordering.

Must-tries include:
Khao Soi: Creamy, curry noodle soup from the north
Laab: Spicy ground meat salad
Som Tam: Green papaya salad
Tom Yum Goong: Hot and sour shrimp soup
Pad Kra Pao: Basil chicken or pork over rice
Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet, refreshing, and iconic

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Sands of Time

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
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Beyond Boundaries

Visual odyssey across continents
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Any cultural etiquette I should know?

A few basics go a long way, and locals really appreciate when visitors make an effort to understand Thai culture.


The Big Ones: Never touch someone's head. It's considered sacred. Your feet are the opposite. Showing people the bottom of your feet is especially disrespectful. Never use your feet to point at people or things, avoid putting your feet up on desks or chairs around others, and absolutely never point at a Buddha statue with your feet. When sitting on the floor in temples, tuck your feet to the side or behind you.


Learn the wai greeting (hands together like prayer, slight bow). Always return a wai if someone gives you one first.

Daily Interactions: Keep public displays of affection minimal—hand-holding is fine, but kissing and excessive touching make people uncomfortable.


Temple and Monk Etiquette: Cover shoulders and knees at temples, you'll be denied entry otherwise. Remove shoes before entering homes and temple shrines. Women cannot touch monks or hand them things directly, place items down for them to pick up instead.

People of Thailand

Monks on the Street

People of Thailand

Food stand, Koh Tao

People of Thailand

Traditional dress of northern Thailand

People of Thailand

Street Food

Stay Cool:  This might be the most important one: never lose your temper in public. Displays of strong emotion make everyone deeply uncomfortable. Adopt the Thai phrase "mai bpen rai" (no worries) - it's like the Thai Hakuna Matata.


Royal Family: Be respectful about anything related to the royal family. It's not just politeness, it's actually illegal to disrespect them. This includes being careful with money since it has the king's image.


What about haggling?

Expected at markets and with street vendors, it's part of the fun. Start at half their asking price and meet in the middle. Don't haggle at restaurants, convenience stores, or established shops with price tags.


Should I learn any Thai phrases?

Even a few words make a huge difference. Learn: sawasdee (hello), kop khun (thank you), kho tot kop (excuse me), tao rai kop (how much?), and mai pet (not spicy). Locals light up when you try.


Do I need a visa?

Travelers from many countries (including the US, Canada, UK, and most of Europe) can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. Always double-check current entry requirements before booking.


What vaccines do I need?

Check with your doctor, but routine vaccines (MMR, flu, etc.) plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid are typically recommended. If you're heading to rural areas, ask about Japanese Encephalitis and Malaria prevention.


Do people speak English?

Yes - in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. In smaller towns and local spots, less so. But a smile, a few Thai phrases, and some patience go a long way.


How do I get around?

In cities:  Grab (like Uber), taxis, tuk-tuks, BTS Skytrain in Bangkok

Between regions: Domestic flights are fast and affordable. Trains and buses work well for slower travel.

To islands: Ferries and speedboats connect most coastal hubs.



Ayutthaya The ancient and historical capital of Thailand

Ayutthaya

The ancient and historical capital of Thailand

Lampang

One of my favorite under-the-radar towns

Chiang Khan

Aerial view of Chiang Khan skywalk

Koh Kood

A quiet island in the Gulf of Thailand where calm comes easy


Getting to Know the Regions of Thailand

Thailand isn't just one experience, it's many. Each region has its own flavor, pace, and personality.


Central Thailand

Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and nearby provinces

A mix of modern life, royal history, and nonstop street food


Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, and the mountains

Cooler weather, cultural traditions, nature, and slower travel


Northeastern Thailand (Isaan)

Rural, often overlooked, deeply local

Spicy food, ancient ruins, and fewer tourists


Southern Thailand

Islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Koh Kood

Beach life, diving, resorts, and warm water year-round


Thailand isn’t just my favorite place to visit. It’s where my Thai family lives, and where I go when I need to return to myself. It’s a place that grounds me, humbles me, and reminds me how to move through the world with more curiosity, more patience, and more joy.


If you’re thinking about going, don’t just go to check it off your list. Go to feel something. Go to listen. Go to eat something new and say yes to something unexpected.


Go because sometimes, the places that are far from home are the ones that help you understand it best.

Still have questions?
I’ve helped couples, families, and multi-gen groups plan meaningful trips to Thailand and I'd love to help you do the same.

Visit my  Thailand travel page or get in touch here to start planning your trip.


Still Have Questions?

I’ve helped couples, families, and multi-gen groups plan meaningful trips to destinations around the world and I'd love to help you do the same.

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